Astronomy is the oldest of the natural sciences, dating back to antiquity, with its origins in the religious, mythological, and astrological practices of pre-history. Calenders of the world have been set on the basis of the Sun and the Moon and were of great importance to the agricultural societies like we had and still have in India. With the advent of new technology and bigger and bigger telescopes, our understanding of the Universe has taken an unprecedented leap. But the knowledge is mostly restricted to a very small community who carry out astronomy as their career. In order to disseminate the knowledge available to the astronomy community (of both India and world wide) to the general public, ARIES has set up a science center at Manora Peak campus.

Objectives

1. To encourage and enable ARIES astronomical community to take an active role in explaining what we do (and why) to our fellow citizens.

2. To facilitate students and teachers at under graduate and graduate levels to carry out small observational projects in Astronomy & Astrophysics using small aperture telescopes.

3. To give a glimpse of opportunities that are available for the young, enthusiastic and bright students who want to take up Astronomy & Astrophysics as their career.